McGuigan

The McGuigan love affair with winemaking began with Owen McGuigan who was born in the Hunter Valley of Australia in 1869. As wine started to find a home in the Hunter Valley he was the first McGuigan to venture into this exciting new endeavour. Working in the vines not only became the lifeblood, but also the passion for the McGuigan family. From those early days successive generations of the McGuigan family have been at the forefront of the Australian wine industry helping to shape some of Australia’s greatest brands. We invite you to explore our history through each of the generations.

The McGuigan name is synonymous with Australian winemaking. Four generations of the McGuigan family have made wine their life demonstrating a deep commitment and passion for Australian wine. This energy, drive and uncompromising dedication to craft the finest Australian wines is reflected in McGuigan Wines international success, having been crowned International Winemaker of the Year at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London for the third time in 2012.

Having already been recognised as the ‘world’ best winemaker’ by the IWSC in both 2009 and 2011, McGuigan Wines became one of only two wineries world-wide to have won the award three times in the competitions 44 year history.

The success continued at the equally prestigious International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London with McGuigan Wines awarded White Winemaker of the Year for the third time in 2013, having also won in 2009 and 2012.

Quality, consistency, value and innovation are the hallmark of the McGuigan brand. Our award-winning pedigree is second to none, and our premium winemaking credentials are without rival. Continued and sustained success on the international stage across all major global wine competitions has vindicated our philosophy of making ‘the wine the hero.’

Alpha Box & Dice

Alpha Box & Dice is our small shed in McLaren Vale opened in 2008, where we make and sell wine, seriously with our tongue rammed firmly in our cheek... or yours as the case may be.

"Justin Lane's whines are a little bit Tarantino, and a little bit Slayer, part Ghandi, and part Charles Manson. A Kama Sutra of vinous experimentation. Where old is the new new, and tradition meets the avant garde. Forget the stuffy regionalism, and explore the wonders of the forgotten"

Justin didn't write this... but he knows a man that did.

Wines without boundaries - regional, varietal or stylistic. Wines whose entire raison d'etre is to be delicious and to express the minutia and complexity if site and vintage conditions. Wines that enchant; wines that delight you and leave you betwixt the rock and a ripe grape. Through a series of random experiments in the field and adventures in vinous bricolage, these are our modest goals. In the words of Lewis Carroll 'Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast,"...Come follow us down the rabbit hole.

Peccavi

Peccavi Estate is a small family-owned vineyard located in the northern part of the MargaretRiver wine region.

Our fruitis of a very high quality with tremendous concentration and structure, its reputation within Margaret River has meant many top local producers’ sourced from our vineyard and currently 80% of our fruit goes to Cape Mentelle.

To makePeccavi wines we carefully select and then handpick from our 16 hectares. Our uncompromising approach to all aspects of vineyard management and vinification is no doubt time-consuming, but well worth it once you taste our wines.

Our “No Regrets” labeled wines are a blend from our own vineyards and many other premier vineyards in the MargaretRiver region, designed to be more approachable at a younger age but also crafted to the same high standard by our team of winemakers using only traditional techniques.

Peccavi Wineslaunched in early 2009 and now distribute to 7 countries with the majority being sold in Australia and Singapore.

Being a new label means we are able to offer greater value for money, exclusive agency deals on an area by area basis and the chance to grow with what Gourmet Traveler has described and the rising star of Australian wine.

Castagna

The Castagna Vineyard is situated at an altitude of 500 metres five-and-a-half kilometres outside the beautiful town of Beechworth in Northeast Victoria, high in the foothills of the Australian Alps. Our soil consists mainly of decomposed granitic-loam on a base of clay. The climate is distinctly Mediterranean with hot days and cool nights during the important part of the growing season. The land is farmed biodynamically; using Rudolf Steiner's biodynamic principles, because we believe it is the best way to achieve optimum fruit quality that best expresses its terroir. The vineyard is hand-pruned and the fruit is hand-picked. We crop at a bit less than two tons per acre. The winemaking is very traditional using only our own vineyard's indigenous yeast with minimal interference. Elevage varies between 18-20 months using only the very best, tight grain French oak available, about half of which is new each year. Our intention is to make, as simply as possible, wine which is an expression of the place where it is grown.

Cassegrain

Cassegrain’s winemaking heritage began in France in 1643. A heritage of French winemaking skills that today combines with Australian technology to produce wines that are full flavoured, yet soft and elegant in their structure.

Cassegrain’s winemaking team is headed by John Cassegrain. John is highly regarded in the wine industry and considered somewhat of a pioneer through his interest in establishing new regions, encouraging more sustainable farming practices and exploring new grape varieties. Cassegrain was the first winery to grow and produce Chambourcin commercially in Australia.

Read more about John in this excerpt from "Confessions of the Winemaker" by Kristin Westlake, Judith Kennedy and Catherine Retter, published in 2004 by Halstead Press.John Cassegrain embraces new technology yet is a traditionalist in his winemaking philosophy. He combines his French heritage and experience with modern Australian technology to produce wines which have a significant point of difference.

In the late 1970s, as major advancements were being made in Australian wine technology, John Cassegrain was undertaking his Bachelor in Oenology at South Australia's renowned Roseworthy College. Having been influenced by these advances in wine science, John then developed his hands-on experience with ten vintages at Tyrrells Winery in the Hunter Valley and several vintages in France including the Burgundy and Bordeaux regions.

The French heritage of the Cassegrain family together with John’s experience in France has significantly influenced the style of winemaking at Cassegrain: traditional French winemaking methods are married with the latest Australian technological advances.

Heritage Road

Heritage Road is not necessarily the same as other wineries though. Managed by Lisa McGuigan.it is based in the Hunter Valley within New South Wales, South Eastern Australia with access to all of McGuigan Wines 1900 hectares of vines. Founded in 1997 the winery now is certainly a volume producer bottling 150,000 cases of wine per annum.

Passion Pop

Passion Pop is an iconic Australian alcoholic beverage, labeled as a carbonated "passion flavoured" wine-based beverage. The product was created by Frank 'Pop' Miranda and Ron Potter in 1977-78 at Pop's winery (Miranda Wines Pty Ltd) in Griffith, New South Wales. Passion Pop is now owned and produced by Australian Vintage and comes in three different flavours: original (passionfruit-flavoured); mixed berry and its newest addition pink (strawberry-flavoured).

Passion Pop is now an Australian icon and has been a market leader in the Flavoured Sparkling Wine category for over 30 years.

Domaine de l'Amauve

The Domaine de l'Amauve is an eleven-hectares family business located on the territory of the commune of Séguret.

The productions of the domaine are primarily red and white wines from the appellations “Côtes du Rhône” and “Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret” , and then, only in red some “Vin de Pays” and “Vin de Table”.

With the Domaine de l'Amauve, the signature of the vine grower is present everywhere, through the mode of control of the vineyard, the methods of wine making, the work and the ageing of the wines. Everything is done at every moment to work out a wine of great quality in the respect of nature and the environment.

The vineis cultivated according to the rules of reasoned agriculture. The treatments of the vine are limited, and when some are done, it is always with the useful minimal amount of chemicals. The crop is naturally small and can be controlled by doing some green harvest if necessary.

The origin of the name of the property comes from the flower of mauve which plants are present in great number in the vineyard during the spring and which give off discrete floral flavours and cheer up the landscape with their soft colours.

The Domaine de l'Amauve is property of two old Provençales families and it has been so for several generations. These families were united by Aline and Louis's wedding in 1952. This wedding was the basis of the property.

One of the children, Christian, a oenologist and winemaker in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, has decided, to run the property after the late retirement of his parents (Aline was 74 and Louis 81 in 2005).

However, passion helped, in addition to the culture of the vine, he has decided to make his own wine and market it himself in order to share more closely the marvellous soil of Séguret.

Arkeo

Located 100 kilometers south of Santiago, the Cachapoal Valley merges over with the north of Rapel Valley. This area has a dynamic agronomic activity and was the birthplace of the chilean "Rodeo". Wine grapes have been cultivated here for centuries. The planted surface with vineyards is around 11,000 hectares, and it is divided into three major areas. Rancagua on the south, peumo on the west and Cachapoal Andes on the east, near the Andes mountains. This last area is recognized by its excellent conditions to produce premium red wines.

Sanama

Located 100 kilometers south of Santiago, the Cachapoal Valley merges over with the north of Rapel Valley. This area has a dynamic agronomic activity and was the birthplace of the chilean "Rodeo". Wine grapes have been cultivated here for centuries. The planted surface with vineyards is around 11,000 hectares, and it is divided into three major areas. Rancagua on the south, peumo on the west and Cachapoal Andes on the east, near the Andes mountains. This last area is recognized by its excellent conditions to produce premium red wines.

SANAMA wines are born in the heart of the Rapel Valley - once a Cachapoal’s river arm. These wines are nourished by pure glacial water from the soaring mountain peaks, alluvial soil, cool nights and sunny days. SANAMA wines will surprise you with their intense aromas, freshness and well balanced flavours, being an excellent match with food or on its own.

Momentos

Located 100 kilometers south of Santiago, the Cachapoal Valley merges over with the north of Rapel Valley. This area has a dynamic agronomic activity and was the birthplace of the chilean "Rodeo". Wine grapes have been cultivated here for centuries. The planted surface with vineyards is around 11,000 hectares, and it is divided into three major areas. Rancagua on the south, peumo on the west and Cachapoal Andes on the east, near the Andes mountains. This last area is recognized by its excellent conditions to produce premium red wines.

Momentos are our quality Reserva wines produced in Chile`s Premium wine–growing valleys. We craft each wine to reflect Chile`s unique terroir and capture the purity and simplicity of each variety. A great example of this is MomentosReserva Sauvignon Blanc from Central Valley and MomentosReserva Cabernet Sauvignon from Cachapoal Andes - the last aged for 6 months in French and American oak casks, MomentosReserva shows our art of winemaking when producing each of the single varietals or the 3 bi-varietals that compose this range.

Sensaciones

Located 100 kilometers south of Santiago, the Cachapoal Valley merges over with the north of Rapel Valley. This area has a dynamic agronomic activity and was the birthplace of the chilean "Rodeo". Wine grapes have been cultivated here for centuries. The planted surface with vineyards is around 11,000 hectares, and it is divided into three major areas. Rancagua on the south, peumo on the west and Cachapoal Andes on the east, near the Andes mountains. This last area is recognized by its excellent conditions to produce premium red wines.

Sensaciones are our Premium Single Vineyard wines, produced from selected plots of our own vineyard. In this line we craft each wine to reflect the uniqueness of the terroir and capture the purity and simplicity of each variety. The wines from Sensaciones range are made exclusively from a single varietal and aged for 8 months in French and American oak casks. Sensaciones Single Vineyard wines reveal our intimate relationship with the soils, plants and climate of our vineyards.

Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona

Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate has origins that date back to the 17th century and it still keeps its historical heritage in a building called “Palazzo” (Palace) that was built for Fabivs de Vecchis, Bishop of Montalcino and Abbot of Sant’Antimo Abbey. After the Bishop’s death, the Palace and the surrounding estate were auctioned according to the Italian law regarding ecclesiastic properties and on September 16, 1868, they were purchased by the countess Eva Bernini Cerretani.

On December 31, 1877, the countess Cerretani sold the entire estate to the Ciacci family from Castelnuovo dell’Abate. After the marriage between the count Alberto Piccolomini d’Aragona, a direct discendent of Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pope Pius II) and Elda Ciacci, the Bishop’s Palace became the Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Palace.

In 1985 the countess Elda Ciacci bequeathed the entire property to GiuseppeBianchini and his family, who took up residence at the Palace that became the headquarters of the Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate. The Bianchini family upholds the heritage of the property and, with determination and pride, it maintains the traditions and culture that are part and parcel of the estate. Giuseppe Bianchini, excellent wine-grower and outgoing local, unfortunately passed away in February 2004 leaving his son and daughter, Paolo and Lucia, at the helm of the Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Estate.

The Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate is located on the south west slope of the municipality of Montalcino, close to the medieval village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate and to the famous Romanesque Abbey of Sant’Antimo, which dates back to the 9th century. A smaller part of the property is located near the village of Montenero d’ Orcia in the province of Grosseto.

The estate, extending over 220 hectares of land (of which roughly 190 in Montalcino and 30 in Montenero d’Orcia), with vines, olive groves, pastures and woods, has all the typical characteristics of the Tuscan countryside adorned with rolling hills and unforgettable colours. Set between Arna hill and the Orcia River to the south-east, it offers a unique panorama with the beautiful contour of Mount Amiata in the background.

Wild animals, scents of flowers and plants and the typical farmhouses dotted around, create a peaceful and calm atmosphere in this area.

Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate has three wine cellars:the historical wine cellar, dedicated to the long ageing of the most prestigious wines located in the basement of the 17th century Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Palace;

the new wine cellar, near the village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, now the estate headquarters with fermentation, ageing, refinement and storage facilities. It also houses offices and a wine-shop;

A part of the vineyards has been planted with international grape varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. From these grapes the estate produces Ateo, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Fabivs, 100% Syrah. Finally, Montecucco Sangiovese is produced with Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah grapes grown in the vineyards situated in Montenero d’Orcia (Grosseto).

Kaikoura Sounds

Wines created in celebration of the enviable Marlborough lifestyle. Inspired by the ruggedly beautiful coast of Kaikoura, the abundant gourmet produce of the region and the tranquility of the Kaikoura Sounds – in the Marlborough region.

Our wines are crafted with passion by a second generation winemaker. He is committed to letting the wines reflect the unique vineyard terroir from our world class vineyard location. Enjoy!

Beautiful and bountiful, rugged yet breathtakingly tranquil, Kaikoura Sounds is a unique place for both natural landscape and food and wine production. Snow covered alpine mountains meet the call of the sea in a triumph of beauty and abundance at the famed Kaikoura Sounds. Known for peaceful yet rugged landscape, gourmet produce and wine of character and calibre, Kaikoura Sounds is the true taste of the Marlborough wine region.

Harnessing the best of both worlds, Kaikoura Sounds is home to some of the best growing soil and cool climate wine conditions in the world.

With a backdrop of achingly serene seas that attract whales, dolphins and other majestic marine creatures and a down to earth, charming yet top notch local food scene, Kaikoura Sounds offers one of the world’s finest examples of wine, cuisine and natural environment. When choosing a Kaikoura Sounds wine, you are choosing a magical adventure into the heart of winemaking and the beauty that is New Zealand. Kaikoura Sounds is the true taste of the Marlborough wine region.